Tour Description: Self-guided

A superb trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains down to the distant Mediterranean. The very name of the Iberian Peninsula comes from this river: Iberia, the country of the Ebro.

The route follows what begins as a tiny mountain stream flowing through the green pastures of Cantabria, beautiful valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, witnessing the changes in the landscape and the river itself. Finally you arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest wines produced in Spain. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wine-producing bodegas, all with the limestone mountains of the Sierra de Cantabria in the background.

A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Transfer to CampooArrival in Santander and transfer to the hotel in Campoo, where you will be fitted for and text your bike. Overnight in Campoo.

Day 2: Campoo – Polientes (Short 38 miles/59 km; Long 61 miles/97 km)This stage takes you through some fabulous and unspoilt scenery. From the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains, along the shores of the Ebro Reservoir, past the Monastery of Montesclaros surrounded by forests. You finally rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible and continue to the day's final stop in Polientes. Those on the short version follow the river direct to Polientes. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.Overnight in Polientes.

Day 3: Polientes – Pesquera de Ebro (27 miles/43 km)You begin by cycling through the open valley of Valderredible. Take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines and also the churches carved into the very rock that are so characteristic of this region. As you progress down the river, the sides of the valley begin to close in until you arrive in a marvelous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead.

Make sure to visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with its cascades running through the village. As you approach Pesquera, the canyon of the Ebro reaches unbelievable dimensions before you finally reach the attractive village that will be tonight's stop.Overnight in Pesquera de Ebro.

Day 4: Pesquera de Ebro – Medina de Pomar (23 miles/36 km; 39 miles/63 km with route extension to Puentedey)Today follows a beautiful route that follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages. An optional extension takes you to the dramatic village of Puentedey, built on a natural rock bridge over the River Nela. Tonight you stay in the Castillian town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and the castle dominating the town and surrounding landscape.Overnight in Medina de Pomar.

Day 5: Medina de Pomar – Frias (36 miles/58 km)From Medina, you head back to the Ebro. The route then takes you along a quiet country road running parallel to the river, where the valley begins to open out again. Visit the Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada before you cycle through yet another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle with excellent views of the Ebro Valley.Overnight in Fras.

Day 6: Frias - Haro (Short 24 miles/39 km; Long 39 miles/62 km)As you leave Frias, the valley begins to close in again until you find yourself in another spectacular canyon. The road runs along the shores of a reservoir surrounded by high mountains and through short tunnels carved out of the rock. The route crosses the little town of Miranda del Ebro before passing through imposing peaks that signal the gateway to the enormous open valley of La Rioja. Tonight is spent in the wine-producing village of Haro, with a chance to drink a glass or two of Rioja in its birthplace. The shorter route ends in Miranda, from where you will be transferred to Haro.Overnight in Haro.

Day 7: Haro - Laguardia (Short 15 miles/25 km; Long 31 miles/50 km)You cycle through endless vineyards and numerous picturesque villages of La Rioja, with the backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the Ebro never too far away. You finally reach the superb walled medieval village of Laguardia where, as in Haro, wine is almost a way of life.Overnight in Laguardia.

How To Get There: Self-guided

The closest airport for arrival is Santander Airport and the most convenient for departure is Bilbao Airport and we would prefer this. However, it may be easier for customers to book a return flight from Bilbao Airport. It is important to remember that at the end of the tour, the transfer time from Laguardia to Bilbao is 90 minutes, so if we allow for a 2-hour check in time, then it means departure time from Laguardia would be three and a half hours before flight time. Thus, departure time from Laguardia is scheduled for 9 a.m. so customers should take this into account before booking their flights.

Please note that transfer to and from arrival / departure points (normally Bilbao or Santander airports, ferryports, railway stations, or bus stations) is included in the tour package.

Weather: Self-guided

Weatherspark.com offers information on average weather conditions at most destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box, and select "Averages," and you'll find a range of information such as average high and low temperatures, precipitation, cloudy days, humidity and wind speed/direction.

Of course, if your tour is coming up in the next week, you can also select "Forecast" to get the most current information on upcoming conditions.

Along the River Ebro

Rioja: Hidden Spain, Land of Wine

More about Spain: Self-guided

With more than 50 million tourists visiting each year, Spain is the second most toured country in the world. Sitting on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain is known for its miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastline ranging from the rocky Costa Brava to the white sand of Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands off the coast. Spain’s culture thrives in its urban centers of Madrid, the capital, Barcelona and Seville. The countries history is exhibited in countless monuments, ruins, castles and cathedrals, contributing to Spain's ranking as the second country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amazing renowned wines from La Rioja, olive oils from Baena, paella rice from Levanta, Crema Catalana liqueur from Catalonia and more than one hundred varieties of cheese define Spain’s mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine.

Tour Company Background: IberoCycle Holidays: Self-guided

Located in Mortera (near Santander), Cantabria, Spain, IberoCycle is a company specializing in cycle tours in Spain. Tours include guided and self-guide versions. IberoCycle's particular strengths include profound knowledge of all aspects of Spain, culture, history and geography, and the ability to find the right tour for every individual client.

Along the River Ebro

Rioja: Hidden Spain, Land of Wine

Terms and Conditions: IberoCycle Holidays: Self-guided

Booking Conditions

1. Responsibility

IberoCycle does not accept responsibility for death, injury or illness of customers on our holidays. IberoCycle does not accept responsibility for the state of roads on our trips. All routes are followed at the rider’s own risk. Cyclists must ride and behave in a responsible fashion. Holidays are booked with the understanding that all riders are physically fit and do not have any medical condition which may make physical activity dangerous for them. Cyclists use any transportation provided by IberoCycle at their own risk.

Helmets are now compulsory in Spain. We recommend their use, especially for children. For the sake of comfort and hygiene, cyclists are requested to bring their own helmets.

2. Insurance

Possession of holiday insurance is a booking condition. All travellers must take out an adequate insurance policy before beginning the trip. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided to be able to confirm the booking. This insurance should cover health and accident (if necessary), luggage loss or damage, departure delay or failure, trip cancellation.

Any insurance claims are the liability of the insurance company and not IberoCycle.

3. Changes

Changes in group composition or length of trip must be notified in writing.

4. Cancellation

Notice of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows:

8 weeks or more before departure date Loss of deposit

8-6 weeks before departure date 50% of balance

6-4 weeks before departure date 70% of balance

4-0 weeks before departure date 100% of balance

5. Modifications

IberoCycle reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary. In the unlikely event of this happening, the customer will be informed as soon as possible. Any changes made will be of a minor nature. We do not have a minimum numbers policy, so once a booking is taken, we guarantee the trip will run.

6. Bicycles

Cyclists are responsible for IberoCycle bicycles during their trip and any damage to or loss thereof. Cyclists are also responsible for minor repairs such as punctures. Those who bring their own bicycles are responsible for any damage to or loss of these machines. These bicycles should be serviced before the trip, and should carry sufficient spares.

IberoCycle will supply bikes in good condition and of the right size for each cyclist.

7. Force majeure

IberoCycle cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from war or terrorist activities, weather conditions, fire, flood or drought, airport closures, rescheduling of means of transport, or any other eventuality which may delay or extend the holiday.

8. Customer care

IberoCycle is committed to the maximum enjoyment of the customer. Any problems or complaints must be made immediately so they can be dealt with in situ. Customers will be asked to complete a customer satisfaction form when their holiday is over.

9. Entrance fees

No entrance fees to places of interest are included in the tour prices, unless the brochure indicates otherwise.

10. Transfers

Transfers are included in tour prices on the understanding that the customer arrives at the time and place previously agreed. If this is not the case, the customer will be liable for the cost of the transfer to the first night’s accommodation. Customers who opt for a tour extension at the beginning or end of the holiday (e.g. The Bilbao/Guggenheim tour extension) will be liable to organise their own taxi transport between the airport and the hotel.

If on any particular trip guests arrive on the same day but at different times, a common pick up time may be arranged for the party. IberoCycle will endeavour to make the wait as short as possible.

13. Transport

The client is responsible for organising travel to Spain. In this way it is hoped that the customer will get the best deal possible. IberoCycle will be glad to give advice to the customer on travel arrangements.

14. Accommodation

IberoCycle monitors the standard of its accommodation very carefully and is very grateful for customer feedback. Customers are requested to fill in our survey at the end of each trip and to supply us with both positive and negative feedback if it is felt to be relevant. Any problems should be reported immediately with a view to solving them as quickly as possible

A twin room refers to a room for two people with two beds. A double room is a room for two people with one bed. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and are of a high standard. Accommodation is in hotels and locally graded accommodation.

Every attempt will be made to satisfy a client’s room preference. Clients who have requested a double room may on occasions be given a twin room if availability does not permit this.

On some occasions, clients travelling on the same trip may stay in different hotels. This depends on hotel availability. Every effort will be made to ensure that hotels are of a similar standard.

15. Prices

Prices include accommodation and continental style breakfast. Transfer to and from airports or ferry ports is included except in the case of the Way of St James tour where customers must take their own way to and from arrival and departure points. The customer is responsible for all other expenses incurred.

16. Discounts

All discounts are applicable over the trip price for one person in double share. Bike hire and the single supplement will be added after the discount has been deducted.

17. Seasonal variations

Prices are given for high, mid and low season. Those holidays that fall between two seasons will be charged proportionately. Final prices will be confirmed before booking.

18. Excursions

We do not provide excursions. IberoCycle may organise excursions on your behalf. In this case, the contract is between the customer and the excursion supplier, and not with IberoCycle. IberoCycle can accept no liability for these excursions and cannot guarantee they will take place. Excursions will be subject to availability and to minimum customer numbers.